FEARS for the future of policing in North Yorkshire have been voiced after the Government unveiled plans for a massive shake-up of crime-fighting across the UK.

Home Secretary Theresa May has revealed police authorities face the axe and a pool of volunteers could be introduced to take on police duties as part of a scheme she has dubbed “the most radical reform of policing for 50 years”.

But a York Labour councillor who sits on the North Yorkshire Police Authority, the organisation which monitors the work of the region’s police force, has branded the plans “disappointing” and believes they could lead to the end of police community support officers (PCSOs).

Coun Ruth Potter also said she feared the moves, which also include setting up a national agency to tackle organised crime and encouraging members of the public to go out on patrol with officers, could place North Yorkshire’s status as one of the safest areas in the UK under threat.

Speaking after details of the Home Office consultation paper were publicised, Coun Potter said: “I think the announcement is deeply disappointing.

“There are lots of different aspects to it and one of the most disappointing is funding for police and PCSOs no longer being ring-fenced.

“I hope the future of PCSOs is not being placed in jeopardy. The positive work they do in local Safer Neighbourhood Teams helps reduce crime and increase public confidence in policing.

“I think most people feel happier seeing a strong police presence and I also think they will be very upset if their good work could not continue. I worry what is going to happen when changes are made in the wrong places.”

The Government proposals involve a complete overhaul of the 43 forces in England and Wales, with the Home Office planning to create directly elected police and crime commissioners for each of them. They would have the power to hire and fire chief constables and be responsible for setting policing priorities.

New Police and Crime Panels, replacing police authorities, would oversee their work, while the Government is also asking people what they think about a new category called police reservists, although it has yet to outline what role they would take and which powers they would have.